Quote:
Originally Posted by HighLifeMan
43% of Milan's total PP time during the entire year came during the first 11 games of the season. He was moved off of the top PP and down the Oilers lineup after the first month of the season - and from that point on Lucic did not sniff top six minutes (playing just 5 games with more than 15 minutes of ice time over the remaining 67 games). The talent he played with outside of the "big three" was absolutely AHL level and his production should come as no surprise as a result of that. Regardless of that his time with the "big" three almost came exclusively with RNH who was quite frankly caved in at even strength all year.
Look at the first half of the season for a player like Zack Kassian who prior to being placed on a line with McDavid had just 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 points in his first 36 games of the year.. Producing in that bottom six (or nine for that matter) is next to impossible and expecting anyone to consistently do so with that supporting cast is laughable.
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His production was terrible both in the top six and outside it.
If you want to compare Lucic to Kassian at this point its probably a fair comparison.
Lucic had half his points last season assisted or scored by the big 3 forwards in Edmonton. He got more leash than he should have. I have a hard time seeing him be more productive in a further reduced role in Calgary.
He'll give an honest effort though, and is still a terrifying human being.